As the filmmaker’s three-year journey wound down on the project, he realized a key moment was missing, and managed to shoot it within a few months of the film's opening.

Is the new “Fantastic Four” movie fantastic? No, and not everyone will love the amount of downtime in this one. But good is good enough for a Marvel superhero movie these days.

"First Steps" promises to push the MCU out of its comfort zone, but the movie quickly retreats into a tired version of the same old story.

FANTASTIC FOUR: THE FIRST STEPS brings the team to us in a new and refreshing way. Matt Shakman's vision of their NYC is gorgeous and intoxicating and Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are perfect. It's about family!!!! 💙 pic.twitter.com/ISdfduL6Su

At the core of First Steps are Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Reed Richards, Sue and Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. Each slips easily into their role like a customized astronaut suit, but special praise has to go to Kirby and Moss-Bacharach for giving the ensemble its real heart.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe now has two back-to-back successes, Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, both sitting with an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score.

First Steps director Matt Shakman was discreet when questioned about Robert Downey Jr.’s role in the post-credits scene, choosing not to reveal any details and leaving the discussion to fans.

First Steps director Matt Shakman addresses a big Sue Storm moment in the movie's final act and reveals original plans for Franklin Richards' Marvel Cinematic Universe's introduction.

First Steps with love, they also don’t seem happy with many scenes deleted from the movie. Many are praising the story, but they have spotted some scenes that were originally a part of the trailer that were cut from the movie.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman has reiterated that the movie is a standalone story that doesn't require any homework on Marvel fans' part.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is slated for a release on July 25, 2025, in theaters (USA).